Detroit Pistons to Las Vegas? Good Luck

The Detroit Pistons are going through changes. A lot of them. And with changes, often come rumors. But in this case, these whispers are entering absurdity.

The latest report: The Detroit Pistons to Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Sun reported that a team could very well be on its way to Las Vegas. And naturally, with the Pistons—one of the NBA teams up for sale— they would be a possibility.

Earlier today, the NBA denied that any deal is in place for a team to move to Las Vegas. While an NBA denial may mean something, it wasn't needed to tell Detroit fans this, the Pistons are not moving.

The reasons are simple and obvious.

Detroit is a great sports town. Like many cities, if a team wins the fans will be there. But Detroit goes beyond that. Even in years where teams struggle, the following remains strong.

The city likes hard working teams and the Pistons have always embodied that.

Another reason, attendance. Unlike some, Detroit doesn't have to worry about awful attendance sales. They may fluctuate based on various factors, but there has never been a period where lack of a fan base worried ownership.

Even with a drop off, the Pistons still were eighth in 2009-10 attendance per game.

And it doesn't hurt to play those games in an arena that needs no rebuilding. The Palace of Auburn Hills may be over 20 years-old, but is still a premiere spot. The Palace is still used as a model to base other arenas around today.

But even with all that, one must not forget the solid foundation of recent history to their name either. Detroit has brought home championships. They have brand recognition that goes beyond just the city. The hard-nose and physical style resonate across the league.

There are other franchises in a lot worse shape than Detroit. The Pistons will be sold and Karen Davidson does not have the same connection to the team as her husband, but she isn't cruel. Ms. Davidson will not sell the team with any intentions of them moving.

Teams with low attendance like the (New Orleans Hornets), weak ownership, and little history are better candidates of leaving for Vegas.

So sit back Detroit fans, and continue reading about the next Joe Dumars move on the court, opposed to the team moving off.